Patrols of Tenby harbour and the surrounding beaches to eradicate anti-social behaviour have continued this month, and will carry on into the summer.

Dyfed-Powys Police launched its Operation Lion scheme earlier than normal this year to provide a visible presence throughout the seaside town, following large gatherings that had taken place in the harbour area during April resulting in numerous concerns over ongoing anti-social behaviour.

With pubs and restaurants unable to open at the time, despite lockdown restrictions easing across Wales, many people were making the most of the warm weather, and the fact that licensed establishments were able to serve takeaway drinks.

However, although the hot weather remained into the Whitsun holidays, Operation Lion - a partnership initiative with the aim to ensure public safety and deter anti-social behaviour, low level public order and drink related problems, appears to have had the desired effect in the main, with officers maintaining a visible presence, on hand to engage with the public and the large influx of visitors to the coastal resort.

Extra security has also been on hand, and positioned down the harbour and beaches, to assist police, something which Pembroke Dock councillor Paul Dowson (who has a background in security working at licensed premises and has been working with a company called Streamline Leisure and Security, contracted to assist police) believes has reassured the community, and helped make Tenby an enjoyable place to live and visit.

“Last weekend we worked alongside the police primarily covering the harbour area and Castle Beach, however we could be tasked to any area if required,” he said.

“Our remit was to maintain a peaceful and trouble free area for everyone to enjoy.

“We dealt with under age drinkers, dog owners breaking the beach ban, illegal fires on beaches and various types of anti-social behaviour.

“Most of all we were a visible deterrent. Generally most have been good and well behaved, and I’m pleased to say that the weekend was a huge success, and as such, we will be back in the harbour area again this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to assist the police with the Operation Lion scheme,” he added.